NCR adds mobile payment component to POS software

NCR Corporation announced the launch of NCR Aloha Mobile, an extension of the NCR Aloha Table Service point-of-sale (POS) software.

According to a release, Aloha Mobile allows restaurants to easily and securely deploy mobile technology for tableside ordering and payment. It also should benefit speed of service and order accuracy.

"As the leader in hospitality technology, we want to make everyday easier for restaurant operators with the best possible software solutions for their business to help increase revenues and bottom line results. NCR Aloha Mobile is the newest way we do that," said Kim Eaton, senior vice president and general manager, NCR Hospitality.

Aloha Mobile software gives servers full mobile access to many of the robust features of the Aloha POS. The user interface (UI) for Aloha Mobile mirrors the UI of the Aloha POS software, so restaurants can train servers and have them start taking tableside orders and payments immediately. Aloha Mobile also provides servers this capability across many mobile hardware platforms, including the latest generation of NCR Orderman devices as well as Apple iOS devices.

According to Hospitality Technology Magazine's 14th Annual Restaurant Technology Study, the number of restaurant companies that see value in investing in wireless handheld POS terminals has increased to 80 percent in 2012, up from 20 percent three years ago. Moreover, nearly one-third of operators surveyed believe wireless POS terminals help serve guests more quickly and 62 percent state a wireless handheld POS increases guest satisfaction.

Commercially available in the U.S. beginning in 2012, the Orderman handheld, when operating with Aloha Mobile, is a secure PA-DSS validated solution that works without any changes to a restaurant's existing credit card processing.

Aloha Mobile is now available on the Orderman device for table service operators throughout the U.S. and Canada. The software will be available on iOS devices later this year, giving restaurant operators a range of choices in how they deploy mobile technology to best meet their needs.